Volunteer FAQs

If you have a question about volunteering, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our teams by calling 0141 212 8750. For information about volunteer roles with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, please email volunteer@glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org

Here are some of the questions that we are asked most often by volunteers:

1. What volunteering opportunities do you have?

We have a wide variety of available roles, ranging from direct patient support and helping in our Fundraising Hub at the hospital, to helping at our fundraising event and raising awareness through our Talk Service. To see all our latest volunteering opportunities and make an application please click here.

2. Is there an age range for volunteers?

To volunteer at one of our fundraising events you must be at least 16 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer at the Royal Hospital for Children. There is no upper age limit providing you are in good health.

3. Will I be given a uniform?

It is important for all our volunteers to look smart and professional so you will be issued with a uniform that is appropriate to your volunteer role.

4. I am out of work and receiving benefits, can I still volunteer?

Volunteering at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity will not affect any benefits that you are receiving, providing you still meet the conditions of the benefits you currently receive.

5. Will I need to provide references or other information?

You will have to provide the details below before volunteering at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity:

Proof of your right to remain and work in the UK if you are not a UK national

Prospective volunteers who have lived outside of the UK for more than 6 months in the past 5 years will need to obtain a criminal record check from the country they lived in. This is commonly referred to as a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ but has many different names including ‘Certificate of Clearance’ and ‘Certificate of no Criminal Conviction’. This will be in addition to the PVG check that Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will do should you be successful in the recruitment process.

Two character references from individuals who have known you for a minimum of one year

Photo ID e.g. passport or driving licence

Proof of your current address in two different formats

Information for us to apply for a PVG check – hospital based roles only

Information in order for us to obtain occupational health clearance – hospital based roles only.

6. Are all applications accepted?

Due to high volumes of applications and limited number of volunteering roles, we are unable to place everyone who applies and the process can be very competitive. We endeavour to place as many people as we can into suitable volunteering roles with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. Please provide as much relevant information as possible in your application so that we can place you in the most suitable role available.

7. How long is the recruitment process?

Depending on the role you apply for, the full process including application, recruitment and induction can take up to 8 weeks before you start your volunteer role. This timescale can vary depending on the role you’re interested in and how long it takes to complete the different stages and paperwork for the recruitment process.

8. I have completed the application form online, what happens now?

You will receive an automated confirmation email to say your application has been submitted successfully. We aim to respond to you with the result of your application within 21 days. If your application is successful, you will then be invited to attend an interview in person. This will involve discussions on why you want to volunteer, your background and the kind of roles that interest you. The interview process also helps us to find you a suitable volunteer placement within Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

9. Will I receive training?

Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, you will need to attend a volunteer induction session. Depending on your volunteer role, you will be given instructions and guidance on some or all of the following areas:• About Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and the projects we fund• Health and safety• Fire safety• Data protection • Security and money handling• Equality and diversity• Volunteer code of conduct• Dress code• Safeguarding vulnerable children • Infection prevention and control (hospital based roles only)

Training is compulsory as we have a duty of care to our supporters, patients and to you. Therefore, it is important for us to know that you have the necessary information to carry out volunteer activities in a safe manner and patients are not put at risk. You will need to attend yearly update training on selected topics and some of our roles will require more refresher training throughout the year.

10. I already have a PVG number, do I have to apply for another one?

Yes. Although you may be a member of the scheme already, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity is a registered body which must make sure your scheme record is up to date. We will apply for a specific PVG update for you.

11. I've never worked professionally with children - will this hinder my chances of volunteering?

We do not expect all of our volunteers to have specific qualifications or experience to volunteer and not all of our roles involve direct contact with our patients. Please read the role descriptions for each volunteering role for more information on essential and desired criteria.

12. I am free over the summer holidays - can I volunteer for this period only?

We ask you to commit to a minimum of 12 months for roles based at the hospital, but our fundraising volunteering opportunities are very flexible. Some seasonal opportunities will be advertised on our website at the relevant times of year.

13. Do you accommodate one-off corporate volunteering events?

Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity aims where possible to provide one-off volunteering opportunities for employees of companies who are supporting the charity through Charity of the Year or commercial fundraising partnerships. Please contact our Corporate Team for more information on supporting the charity in this way.

14. Can I claim expenses?

Full details of how to claim your expenses and allowances will be given to you during your induction session. Expenses will be paid by BACS and therefore we will need to ask you to supply your bank details. For shifts of four hours or more, our volunteers will also be provided with something to eat and drink.